Yoshiiku - Swallowed by a Wani - Tokyo Nichinichi Shinbun

Utagawa Yoshiiku

Number #697 from the Tokyo nichinichi shinbun series, the majority of them by Ikkeisai Yoshiiku. These were color inserts in certain editions of the newspaper, created in order to boost sales. The prints usually told of unusual, salacious and violent incidents. A wani (鰐) was a mythological beast of the sea reminiscent of an alligator or crocodile. In the real world of fisherfolk and sailors, though, it was probably a great shark.

Story translation (partial)
A wani inhabited the inlet of Koga in Shiima province in Watari prefecture, now part of Mie prefecture. It was covered with seaweeds and shellfish and looked like a rock. One day a boat in the inlet caught fire and, unable eto extinguish the flames, the sailors jumped into the sea and were swallowed by the wani. The boat was lost to fire without trace, and there were no survivors. The incident took place during the fifth month of this year.
Translated by William Wetherall

Publisher: Gusokuya Kahei 

Size: 35.4 x 23.8 cm 

Condition: Good impression and color. Margins as shown, not backed, some dirt and minor creases. 

Date: 1875